If you knew me as a youngster, you would know that I love the water. Anything to do with the water, I am there! I was on a swim team in my early years. I learned to water ski at age 11 and learned to sail at age 14. At age 16 I swam across Lake Waccamaw (in North Carolina), a lake 5 miles by 7 miles in size. I swam the 5 mile distance. I enjoy scuba diving, snorkeling, deep sea fishing, fishing, water volleyball. Basically anything that involves water. Maybe that’s why I take long showers!
Well when you meet a woman and fall in love, those plans all change. I met a woman, dated her for three years and we finally got married, and raised two boys. Twenty five years after that we got divorced. Not due to infidelity, but due to differences in how to raise our boys.
Now I had always thought that after both boys were through with college (and I would be 54 years young) that my wife (now ex) and I could pick up on my college dream and live on a boat. Only over the years I modified my plans to not just live on a boat but to travel on this boat. The boat would be a sailboat for economical and romantic reasons.
I decided that it was time to pick up on my college dream of living on a boat. So here I am, single and starting my dream 2 years ahead of schedule, only going alone. I was looking for a 32 foot to 38 foot sailboat to live aboard. I managed to find a 35 foot Ericson/Alberg sailboat named "Arima" which means water. Very sea worthy. Now I know there are many other boats out there that would do just as well, or better. However, economics plays a big part in the decision process.
Join me as I write about my boat shopping, hardships, experience, lack of money, joys, freedom, new cultures, and my great adventure as I live my dream!
Dan